How To Cook Crock Pot Bucket Steak With Simple Steps

Ever thought about turning tough cube steaks into a tender, comforting crock pot bucket steak? This recipe shows you how to make a flavorful, tender beef dish easily. Slow-cooking cube steaks in savory gravy results in a hearty, satisfying meal. It’s great for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

Introduction to Crock Pot Cubed Steak

Making a tasty crock pot bucket steak is easy. Cubed steak, a tenderized beef cut, is great for slow cooker recipes. It becomes tender and flavorful in the crock pot’s moist heat.

What is Cubed Steak?

The cubed steak comes from the top round or top sirloin. It’s tenderized, making it perfect for slow cooking. This process softens the meat, making it easy to chew.

Benefits of Cooking Cubed Steak in a Crock Pot

• Tender and Flavorful: The crock pot’s moist heat tenderizes the steak. It becomes fork-tender and full of flavor.
• Convenient Meal Preparation: Add ingredients in the morning. Let it cook all day for a comforting meal.
• Budget-Friendly: Cubed steak is affordable. It’s excellent for budget-friendly meals that are easy to make.
• Versatile: Use cubed steak in many recipes. From beef stew to beef and noodles, it’s versatile.

Cooking cubed steak in a crock pot is easy. It’s perfect for busy nights or cozy meals. The results are delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Cubed Steak

Making a tasty crock pot cubed steak is simple with just a few ingredients. You’ll need cubed steaks, onion, cream of mushroom soup, beef gravy mix, and water. For more flavor, add olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Add chopped carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms to the slow cooker to make it even more comforting. This turns it into a full one-pot meal. It’s great for easy dinners and family meals.

With these easy, affordable ingredients, you can make a delicious crock pot bucket steak everyone will love. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh veggie side. It’s a perfect comfort food meal for winter warmers and family meals.

Preparing the Crock Pot Cubed Steak

Get ready to make a delicious crock pot bucket steak. It’s perfect for comforting, hearty meals. The secret to great taste is in the preparation. Let’s explore how to prepare your crock pot cubed steak like a pro.

Browning the Cubed Steaks

First, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil. When the oil starts shimmering, add the cubed steaks.

Brown the steaks on both sides for 2-3 minutes each. This step locks in flavor and creates a nice sear. It makes your crock pot bucket steak taste even better.

Assembling the Ingredients in the Crock Pot

After browning the steaks, put them in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add sliced onions on top of the steaks.

Mix the condensed French onion soup, beef gravy mix, and water in a separate bowl. Pour this mixture over the steaks and onions. Make sure the meat is fully covered in a flavorful liquid.

Now, your crock pot cubed steak is ready. You’re close to enjoying a comforting, slow-cooked meal. The browned steaks, savory onions, and rich gravy make a dish everyone loves.

Cooking the crock pot bucket steak

Get ready to enjoy a delightful and flavorful crock pot bucket steak. It will fill your home with the aroma of comfort food. This slow-cooked dish is perfect for busy weeknights, offering tender beef in a rich, savory gravy.

The key to achieving the ultimate tenderness is the long, slow cooking process. It allows the tough muscle fibers to break down. This transforms the cubed steak into a genuinely remarkable texture.

To begin, place the cubed steak in your trusty crock pot. Then, add the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and dry onion soup mix. Cover the pot and let the flavors meld together as the steak cooks on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours. The longer you can let it simmer, the more tender the meat will become, so aim for 8 hours if possible.

Once the cooking time is up, you’ll be rewarded with a hearty, comforting meal. It’s perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or alongside your favorite roasted vegetables. If the gravy needs a bit of thickening, whisk together a cornstarch slurry and stir it into the pot, letting it simmer until the desired consistency is achieved.

This crock pot bucket steak is easy to prepare and budget-friendly. It’s an excellent choice for family meals or cozy winter dinners. Embrace the convenience of one-pot cooking and savor this slow-cooked delight’s rich, satisfying flavors.

Thickening the Gravy

You should thicken the gravy after the crock pot bucket shoulder and flavorful. This makes it rich and velvety. You can do this by creating a simple cornstarch slurry.

Creating a Cornstarch Slurry

Mix three tablespoons of cornstarch in a small bowl with ¼ cup of hot cooking liquid from the crock pot. Stir this mixture back into the slow cooker recipes slowly. Make sure it’s well combined.

Let the gravy cook on high for 15-20 minutes more. Stir it a few times until it’s thick and creamy.

The cornstarch slurry thickens the beef stew and turns the juices into a rich, velvety comfort food gravy. It’s great over mashed potatoes, one-pot meals, or fluffy, easy dinners. This trick makes your budget-friendly dishes into family meals that everyone will enjoy.

For a perfectly thickened gravy, whisk the cornstarch slurry well. Then, let it simmer for a bit. This makes the hearty stews smooth and flavorful. It’s perfect for warming up on a cold winter warmer day.

Serving Suggestions

Crockpot cubed steak is a hearty dish that goes well with many sides. The rich gravy is excellent with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice. These pairings let the tender beef shine.

Pairing with Mashed Potatoes or Rice

Serve the crock pot cubed steak over mashed potatoes for a classic taste. The potatoes’ creaminess complements the beef’s flavors. White rice is also a good choice, letting the gravy soak in.

Complementary Vegetable Sides

For a complete meal, add roasted or steamed vegetables. Try:

• Roasted green beans or broccoli
• Sautéed mushrooms and onions
• A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette

Choose to serve the steak with mashed potatoes, rice, or veggies. It’s a comforting meal for any busy night or cozy gathering. The slow-cooked beef and gravy are a hit with everyone.

Storage and Reheating

Enjoy the delicious flavors of your homemade crock pot bucket steak even after the initial meal. Any leftover crock pot cubed steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or bake the dish in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

This slow cooker recipe also freezes well for up to 3 months for longer-term storage. However, please note that the texture of the gravy may change slightly when reheated from frozen. Thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to ensure the best quality.

By properly storing and reheating your crock pot bucket steak, you can enjoy this delicious beef stew as a convenient and satisfying comfort food option for easy dinners or family meals even after the initial cooking.

Variations and Substitutions

You can swap cubed steak with other beef cuts if needed. Thinly sliced chuck or round steak works well in the crock pot. Also, choose low-sodium or no-sodium cream of mushroom soup and gravy mix for less salt.

Using Different Cuts of Meat

Don’t stick to cubed steak. Try other affordable beef cuts that get tender in the slow cooker. Chuck or round steak slices are great for soaking up the dish’s flavors.

Adjusting Sodium Levels

For a healthier crock pot bucket steak, look for low-sodium or no-sodium cream of mushroom soup and gravy mix. This change reduces sodium but keeps the beefy taste you love in this slow cooker recipe.

Changing the meat or sodium levels, this beef stew is a great, cozy, one-pot meal. It’s easy to make and budget-friendly for the whole family. It’s perfect for warming up on chilly winter nights.

Tips for Perfectly Tender Cubed Steak

To get a tender cubed steak in the crock pot, simmer it. Let the steak simmer for 6-8 hours on low. This breaks down the tough fibers, making the beef tender.

Before cooking, brown the steak on the stovetop. This seals in juices and boosts flavor. It’s a bit more work, but it’s worth it for the tender steak.

For tender cubed steak, remember a few things:

• Use high-quality, marbled beef like top round or sirloin for tenderness.
• Don’t open the lid too often; it lowers the temperature and extends cooking time.
• Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, or herbs to the crock pot for extra flavor.
• When done, use a slotted spoon to move the steak to a dish gently.

You’ll get tender, delicious crock pot steak by following these tips. Serve it with mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a cozy winter meal.

“The secret to the most tender cubed steak is all in the slow, low cooking process. It’s worth the wait to achieve that fall-apart texture.”

Nutritional Information

Enjoying a hearty serving of crock pot bucket steak is delicious and nutritious. This comforting slow cooker recipe provides a well-balanced meal that can be part of a healthy diet. Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional breakdown of this crock pot cubed steak dish.

A single serving of this crock pot bucket steak recipe contains approximately 411 calories. It has a macronutrient profile of 39 grams of protein, 24 grams of fat, and 7 grams of carbohydrates. This makes it a protein-rich and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

The recipe can be adjusted to accommodate dietary needs. You can use low-sodium or no-sodium ingredients to reduce the overall sodium content. Additionally, the crock pot bucket steak is a budget-friendly and family-friendly dish. It can be enjoyed as part of a wholesome, comforting meal.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty winter warmer or a satisfying one-pot meal, the crock pot bucket steak recipe offers your family a delicious and nutritious option. Enjoy the tender, flavorful beef and savor the comforting flavors of this slow-cooked delight.

Conclusion

Crockpot cubed steak is a tasty, easy comfort food for busy nights. It needs just a few ingredients and a little effort. You get tender beef in a rich gravy.

Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or with veggie sides. It makes a full, satisfying family meal easy on the wallet.

The crock pot makes the cube steak tender and flavorful. It’s great for winter warmers or easy dinners. It’s also budget-friendly and full of nutrients.

Try different flavors to find your favorite crock pot bucket steak recipe. You can add creamy ranch or a spicy kick. This recipe is versatile and comforting.

FAQ

What is cubed steak?

Cubed steak is a type of beef that’s been made tender. It comes from the top round or top sirloin. This process gives it a unique texture.

Why is cooking cubed steak in a crock pot ideal?

Cooking cubed steak in a crock pot is perfect. The slow heat tenderizes the meat, making it easy to cut. It also creates a delicious gravy that goes well with the beef.

What are the main ingredients needed for this crock pot cubed steak recipe?

You’ll need cubed steaks, onion, cream of mushroom soup, beef gravy mix, and water. Olive oil, salt, and pepper are also required. You can add carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms for extra flavor.

How do you prepare the crock pot cubed steak?

First, brown the cubed steaks in a skillet with olive oil. This adds flavor. Then, put the browned steaks in the crock pot. Add sliced onions on top.

Mix cream of mushroom soup, beef gravy, and water in a bowl. Pour this over the steaks and onions. Make sure the meat is covered.

How long should you cook the crock pot cubed steak?

Cook it on low for 6-8 hours. This makes the meat tender. Slow cooking breaks down the tough fibers, making them melt in your mouth.

How can you thicken the gravy at the end of cooking?

To thicken the gravy:

1. Mix cornstarch with cold water.
2. Stir this into the crock pot.
3. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes until it’s the right consistency.

What are some serving suggestions for crock pot cubed steak?

Serve it over mashed potatoes or white rice. This soaks up the gravy. Roasted green beans, corn, or a fresh salad are great sides.

How can you store and reheat leftover crock pot cubed steak?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat by microwaving or baking at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. It also freezes well for three months, though the gravy might change.

Can you substitute other cuts of beef for cubed steak?

Yes, you can use thinly sliced chuck or round steak instead. They’ll also become tender when simmered in the crock pot.

How can you adjust the sodium content in this recipe?

Use low-sodium or no-sodium options for the cream of mushroom soup and gravy mix. This helps reduce sodium.

What is the key to achieving incredibly tender cubed steak in the crock pot?

The secret is cooking it low for 6-8 hours. This breaks down the fibers, making them tender. Browning the steaks before cooking also adds flavor.

What is the nutritional information for a serving of crock pot cubed steak?

A serving has 411 calories, 39g of protein, 24g of fat, and 7g of carbs. It’s a filling, affordable meal.